The first review of my translation of Complemento by Rafael Guizado, co-produced by Latitude Theatre and eSe Teatro is a rave! Huge thanks to Greg Heilman of The Sound On Stage for his thoughtful and detailed reflection on the West Coast premiere directed by Montse Garza.
“…a collaboration between the two companies should seem inevitable. Rafael Guizado’s Complemento, translated by Gigi Guizado, sits perfectly at the intersection of their artistic missions…making this co-production…like a match made in heaven.”
Greg Heilman, The Sound On Stage
Sofia Ayala as Clara and Monica Cortés Viharo as Alicia. Photography by Wade Atkinson.
“One of the greatest strengths of this production is its unique bilingual presentation, spoken majoritively in English, mixing some Spanish words and phrases in helps keeps the setting front and center and allows the actors top accentuate every emotional beat.”
Greg Heilman, The Sound On Stage
Jorge Chacón as Complemento and Mario Espinoza as Antonio. Photography by Wade Atkinson.
“Even audience members with little or no knowledge of Spanish will have no difficulty following the action…shifts between English and Spanish feel completely natural. Rather than creating barriers, the two languages enrich the storytelling and reinforce the universality of the characters and their relationships.”
Greg Heilman, The Sound On Stage
Jorge Chacón as Complemento and Marena Kleinpeter as Blanca. Photography by Wade Atkinson.
“Complemento is the kind of play that quietly casts a spell over its audience.”
Greg Heilman, The Sound On Stage
Paola Gómez Valencia as Elvira. Photography by Wade Atkinson.
“Like its enigmatic title character, it gradually draws you in until you find yourself completely invested, leaving you thinking about its ideas long after you’ve left the theatre.”
Greg Heilman, The Sound On Stage
Jorge Chacón as Complemento, Photography by Wade Atkinson.
“More importantly, it demonstrates exactly why collaborations like this one matter. Latitude Theatre’s passion for bringing international works to Seattle audiences and eSe Teatro’s commitment to celebrating Latine stories prove to be remarkably complimentary missions.”
Greg Heilman, The Sound On Stage
Visit The Sound on Stage to read the full review, and then visit Latitude Theatre’s box office to get tickets while you still can! Performances of Latitude Theatre and eSe Teatro’s brilliant co-production of Complemento at the Center Theatre at Seattle Center Armory run through August 30, 2026.